UEFA hit Real Madrid, Benfica with fines over delayed kickoff | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been fined €40,000 by UEFA for taking to the pitch late in their match against SL Benfica on the final matchday of the Champions League league phase.

On the eighth and final matchday of the league phase, all fixtures were required to kick off simultaneously at 21:00 – a schedule that was not adhered to during Real Madrid’s game against Benfica at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

As a result, UEFA’s disciplinary body punished the Merengues for arriving late on the pitch at Estadio da Luz, causing the match to start later than scheduled on a night when strict adherence to the unified kick-off time was enforced.

In addition, UEFA has identified Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa as responsible for the delay and has issued him with a formal warning. Should the offence be repeated, he could face disciplinary action.

Arbeloa given a formal warning by UEFA. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The European football’s governing body also cited unsporting conduct by Real Madrid in relation to the cautions received during the match on 28 January.

Meanwhile, the same €40,000 fine was imposed on Benfica for their delay, along with an identical warning for their coach, Jose Mourinho.

The sanction comes on the same day that Real Madrid learned of Rodrygo’s two-match ban following his dismissal for two yellow cards against Benfica, after directing insults at the referee, Davide Massa.

Real Madrid ended up losing the game 4-2 to Benfica, which cost them a place in the top eight, forcing them to go through the playoffs to qualify for the Round of 16. Interestingly, they will face Benfica again in the two-legged playoffs.

Source: Mundo Deportivo